Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/01/09

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Subject: [Leica] Rating film
From: "Emanuel Lowi" <mano@vif.com>
Date: Fri, 09 Jan 2004 12:49:58 -0500

"It has been suggested to overexpose B&W 
(Kodak Tri-x 400) to 320 and underxpose tranny film i.e Fuji Velvia 50 
asa to around 70 asa and Fuji Provia 100 to around 125 asa.  Do i then 
push the tranny film +1/3 at process?  Has anyone done this and what 
are the results.  I am looking for more detail in B&W and brighter 
colours on the colour."
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I'll have to differ with other advice offered here and agree that Tri-X at E.I. 320
(or at 640 with a one stop push process) is the method I use when working in
fast-paced situations (with little time for careful spot metering) as a easy shortcut
to obtaining slightly better b&w shadow detail.
But NEVER expose Velvia at E.I. 70. Probably for marketing purposes, Fuji has
exaggerated this film's speed rating: it is really an E.I. 40 film in most
situations. At the stated ASA 50, it shows some rather dramatic shadows -- E.I. 70
would appear absolutely gothic. I don't know Provia 100 all that well, but in many
shooting conditions with 'chrome film, 1/3 stop underexposure will give a nicer final
print: richer (not brighter) colours are just one positive consequence. Check your
favourite National Geographic mag story and you'll see exactly this. 
When underexposing slide film, tell the lab to process normally.

Emanuel Lowi
Montreal

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